I Sure Do

Imagine as you wish...........

How long might I, ever thirsty,

dote upon the tender shoots.

How sweet would be one drop

Upon my lips, of mornings dew

How gently taken from the pink

And quivering flower

TRUTH

laughter is great medicine for our souls

Choices Changes Chances
You must make the choice to take a chance or your life will never change.

my wish is for......

I am thankful for the air that I breathe. To be able to love unconditionally. For the blessings in my life which are my beautiful family and friends.

Been a while......

Feeling the need to write today.
It's been a while.
A while for a lot of things.
Things that hold onto us so tight, that we can't find the air we need to escape it.
So much to say, but really can't say so much.
How do I contend with my thoughts..........

Intro to "Halloween Street" a story written for my nieces, by yours truly.

"Halloween Street":
Intro:
Dark & Gloomy describes the feeling of the night.
Spooky noises fill the air.
Goblins and Witches walk the street without a care.
Beware for this story may not be so sweet.
Do you have what it takes to walk down Halloween Street.......

I am Leo...Hear me Roar ;)

Leo Astrology July 23 - August 22

Leo Strength Keywords:

- Confident
- Ambitious
- Generous
- Loyal
- Encouraging

Leo Weakness Keywords:

- Pretentious
- Domineering
- Melodramatic
- Stubborn
- Vain

Leo and Independence:

Leo is very independent but they need something to control and someone to admire them and appreciate them. They are fully capable of being greatly successful on their own but they are much happier if they have an audience and a following of people who look up to them. They would prefer not be alone.

Leo and Friendship:

People are attracted to Leo's zest for life and their warm spirit. They have the ability to lift up one's spirits and provide encouragement when times are rough. Their enthusiasm attracts people, Leos are social butterflies, not because they want to be but because people always naturally gravitate and surround the Leo. Leos are very difficult people to not like, they are usually fairly balanced, realistic people. They never dwell on the past and they will think you are strange if you do. Some Leos might be too caught up in themselves and be very self-centered but they are never too self-absorbed to help anyone who needs it. They pamper their friends and treat them well. A Leo is the ultimate friend. They do not hold a grudge and they are very forgiving. They have respect and understanding of people's differences.

Leo and Business:

Business dealings are easy and successful for Leo, if they are in command and control. This can cause conflict in the workplace should the Leo not be in a position of superiority, but they usually get there eventually thanks to their powerful drive to succeed, in other words, they are excellent leaders because this is their kingdom they have to control, and they do it well. Leo has an amazing ability to get along with people and they work best in a group as opposed to alone. They can be very diplomatic in a group setting and can delegate people well, however Leo will not take orders. They need to give orders but with their enthusiasm and cheerfulness, other people do not have a problem taking orders from a Leo because they are never condescending and they treat others with respect and equality. Leos are full of drama, flair and extravagance and this reflects in the business world. They make an impact, they make a difference in the workplace and help to keep the parts moving in sync and iron out any problems before they arise. If the business fails, that means that Leo fails and they are extremely determined not to fail. Leo is the most extravagant sender of all astrology signs. They will not over do it but they will surround themselves with luxury as much as possible. They will never settle for second best.

Leo Temperament:

Leo loves the new and extraordinary, they despise dull, regular routines and if this is what they are faced with, they will simply create their own drama and excitement. This makes Leo prone to stir up a situation out of nowhere just for something to keep their vivacious temperament satisfied. Leo has an amazing ability to bounce back from any feelings of despair or unfortunate events. They do not like to be unhappy, it hurts their pride so they will take matters into their own hands and make things right again. Leos could come into conflict with other powerhouse type of people who will not take orders and not give an inch, Leos will not budge their opinion, they will understand and accept opinions of others but they do not take well to people to try to impose their beliefs on them. Leo most often have the temperament of a demanding, spoiled child but this is only shown if someone steps on the boundaries of their kingdom. They react this way because of their territoriality.

Leo Deep Inside:

Leos are extremely sensitive but they hide that very well. Leos love praise and flattery, their egos demand respect and adoration. Leo is all about pride. This can cause them to be self-centered but the warmth of the Leo heart keeps it under control. If Leo's audience (otherwise known as their friends) do not provide the needed appreciation, Leo is too proud to ask for it and they will suffer a hurt ego, but no one will ever know and they will suffer in silence. The secret of the Leo is that they need to be needed.

Leo in a Nutshell:

Leo is the lion, this well suited symbol represents Leo very well. They possess a kingdom which they protest and cherish. The are high esteemed, honorable and very devoted to themselves in particular! The kingdom could be anything from work to home to a partner, whatever it is, you rule it. Leo is always center stage and full of flair, they enjoy basking in the spotlight. A Leo always makes their presence known. Leo are full of energy that acts like a magnet for other people. Others are attracted to Leo's wit, charm, and what they have to say for they speak of things grand and very interesting. Leo will never settle for second best. They want only the best which can cause lavish excessive spending habits as they enjoy their life of luxury, which is all to easily justified by the grand and magnificent Leo! Public image is very important to Leo, with luxurious possessions and ways of life, this keeps the public image in high standing. They will do whatever it takes to protect their own reputation. Leos are very generous, kind and openhearted people. If a Leo is crossed, they will strike back with force but they are not one to hold a grudge, they easily forgive, forget and move on. Leos are always trying to make things right in the world, they have larger then life emotions and they need to feel like they have accomplished something at the end of the day. They react to situations with action instead of sitting back and thinking about it, they are not impulsive however because they look at the future and consider consequences of their actions.

Leo Love, Sex and Relationships

What it's like to date a Leo Woman:

The first step is to give her praise and adoration. The relationship will never work if she does not receive this from you. Do not look at other women when you are with her, she has to be the only one in your eyes. The thought of competition with other women completely turns her off, for she is marvelous and grand and better then any other woman (in her eyes)! Be prepared however to compete with other men. She attracts men, deliberately or not, because of her dazzling personality. She makes a good partner because she gives undying affection and love and makes you feel really mood about yourself. She is kind and supportive with an adventurous streak, she is always fun to be with. Leo woman will dominate,. But not completely for she still needs the man to lead the way and give her the desired sense of approval, she looks up to her man. Leo woman is perfect for the man who is affectionate and has a strong character but not too controlling. She needs someone who is passionate about everything in their life and who strives for the best in everything, because so does she.

What it's like to date a Leo Man:

The Leo man falls in love easily and it usually does not last. This is because his emotional ideals of a grand and magnificent love affair quickly turn into reality. Leo man needs a woman who is grounded and in-tune with the realities of life so she can help him keep his feet on the ground. He may seem like he is casual and detached about love but this is not the case, he needs adoration and approval and if he receives this, he feels quite passionately inside and will treat her with amazing affection and be a wonderful cheerful companion. The Leo man appears to be a rock solid unemotional king but truthfully, he is very sensitive. He wants a woman who caters to him, not in a demanding way but he thinks he is entitled to this because of how great he is. Leo men are prone to be self-centered but underneath they are gentle and have lots of love to give providing the woman can give him what he wants. Leos get along with just about anyone and just about any type of girl is suited to him. The woman who caters to him and overlooks his faults (he thinks he does not have any) and the woman who does not nag at him will obviously have preference and a chance at a long term relationship. If the relationship lasts, eventually she will have to teach him that he is not the only great thing in the world.

How To Attract Leo:

Admiration is key. Admire them ands they will be yours. Leo is a fairly easy sign to attract they are very receptive to advances and come ons. Give them compliments, dish them out in handfuls because Leos never think a compliment can go too far. Even if you are faking it, they don't care, the simply love the attention. Be funny, Leos love to be entertained and they love to laugh. If you can make them laugh, you're good! Leos like the grand things in life, treat them to a lavish dinner or a cultural upscale event. Always have the best of the best and never try to offer them second rate. They think nothing is too good for them, they like everything posh so dress classy and nice, and have a good night on the town with the charming Leo!

Leo Erogenous Zone:

The back is Leo's most sensitive area. Most Leos have a well defined muscular back, compliment them on it while you lightly scratch your fingernails from the base of the neck down to their buttocks. They love a back rub or massage because to them it is being pampered. Get scented massage oil and give them a sensual massage and it is guaranteed to set the mood for a night of passion!

Sex With Leo:

First impressions would tell you that Leo is all about the kinky and novelty, but that is not so. They are deeply sensual and passionate and enjoy posh surroundings, such as candles and scented oils and lots of affectionate physical contact such as massages and rubbing. They like sex to be familiar, not necessarily routine, but they like to know what's going on. This is because Leo always has to be the best and if there is a suggestion or something offered that they have never done before, they would rather pass on the chance then attempt it and be only satisfactory. Leo has mastered the moves he know, so do not be disappointed with the lack of novelty and variety, because Leo is very good at what they can do, they are the best.

Love

A night with my nieces was all I needed to get my creative juices flowing.
My oldest niece commanded me to write a quick three paragraph story about Halloween....
So I did, and then she added to it....
Still a work in progress... Stay tuned ;)

Find your power!

Develop Your Powers: The Power of Ch’i

Ch’i (pronounced ‘tchi’) and also written Chi or Qi, is a concept belonging to traditional Chinese spirituality. That hasn’t prevented it from becoming a principle that is largely accepted and practiced not only in modern China, but throughout the entire world. To summarize, Ch’i is a form of energy. For some it’s the same energy that circulates in the Universe, and is the basis of life on Earth. Ch’i energy possesses both therapeutic and spiritual properties that have been widely and effectively applied. 

Now let’s set things straight right from the start: the principle of Ch’i has been questioned and largely ignored by the scientific community. 

The concept of Ch’i is therefore of a purely spiritual nature, and is something I won’t try to persuade you exists. What I will do is expose you to a certain number of proven and accepted facts. Then it will be up to you to make up your own mind.


Is Ch’i The Supreme Energy?

It’s difficult to define Ch’i for the simple reason that it’s invisible, even though its effects have been felt by many people since the beginning of time, and especially after the concept originated in ancient China, many thousands of years ago. 

Ch’i, also called Ki in Japan and Prana in India, is seen as the vital energy found in all things and all beings, in all places. 

Ch’i circulates in the Universe. For some it may even have created the Universe. They think it is the origin of galaxies, planets, and, of course, all forms of life found on Earth, including animals, plants and humans!

Ch’i is the Creator of the Universe, and animates all manifestations of life, responsible for all birth and growth.

Thus Ch’i is our vital ‘‘fuel.’’ It is the breath that animates us. It tells us that we’re alive, and that we need to act each and every day.

It’s thanks to Ch’i that the Universe is in movement, galaxies exist, and planets revolve in a precise dance, each in harmony with all the other stars in the heavens. But to get back to our own solar system, Ch’i is the origin of the movements of the Earth and the other planets around the Sun. 

In terms of our own planet, Ch’i is responsible for the trajectory of the Moon as it revolves around the Earth, and the influence of the star of the night on oceans and humans.

The beneficial consequences of the existence of Ch’i in our lives can be multiplied to infinity, for the simple reason that Ch’i is present everywhere, and found in everything in this world, and in the Universe. 


Using Ch’i or Following the Middle Path

The principle of Ch’i has been the basis of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts since the dawn of time.

In Chinese medicine, all illnesses, whether they are physical or mental, are caused by an imbalance of this vital energy in human beings. What are called the ‘causes of disease’ by practitioners of western medicine do not explain why diseases happen for Chinese doctors, who consider them a result of a Ch’i imbalance.

In their view, to avoid triggering diseases, our body and mind need to be in harmony with the vital Universal energy of Ch’i.

To lead a balanced life, you need to be permanently connected to Ch’i by being disciplined, maintaining contact with Nature, and avoiding all excess, including negative emotional states and violent passions.

Actually, Ch’i philosophy advocates following the Middle Path, i.e. having a balanced lifestyle. The ideogram (Chinese character) for China means ‘Empire of the Middle Path,’ a name often used to refer to that country.

But leading a balanced life doesn’t meaning falling into the other extreme of being too serious, too rigid, or too disciplined either. 

In Ch’i philosophy, although there are important principles that need to be respected, each person is asked to adapt the philosophy to his or her own personality, culture, social standing, environment, geographical location, and so on. 

A European could follow the path of Ch’i in his/her own way, without trying to do it the Chinese way, which would be impossible, since the differences in mentality, culture and history between the two are so pronounced.

Ch’i philosophy is also a part of Asian martial arts (Chi Kung, Karate, Judo, Kung Fu…) where practitioners need to be connected to Ch’i and use it, not to attack someone, but to defend themselves, causing as little damage as possible to the adversary, unless the situation is life-threatening.

How To Connect To Ch’i?

To connect to Ch’i, start by thinking positive thoughts, saying positive things, and acting for the greater good of all.

Get in contact with Nature, and participate in activities that are in harmony with Nature. Engage in real communication with others (see the previous Section), and avoid being overly emotional or excessively passionate.

You could also practice one of the martial arts mentioned earlier, or any that suits you. Do some meditation, yoga, and calligraphy. Eat in a healthy, balanced way, and, above all, think for yourself!

The sunflower inside of me..........

What is it about the sunshine that makes me feel like a flower blooming.....
Like a sunflower, I turn my face to the clear blue sky, and I allow the fire of the golden sun to radiate through my soul.
Filling my spirit with a beautiful light.
My spirit screams with righteous feelings.
Eyes closed, day dreams in flow......
I am a seed of the sun.......

Oh how I can't wait! XO

Happy Road

Beating a Dead horse is a waste of time and energy.

I understand it is very hard not to at times. Especially when we believe in something so much. 

"if only they could see what I see"

"if only they could feel the way I feel"

These thoughts tend to overcome us, so much that we lose sight of the other opportunities that are around us. 

So instead of beating that dead horse, find the horse that is strong enough for the ride. 

Peace,

Brenda

House Blessing

Being the "bigger" person

A lot of times biting your tongue and rising above is the hardest thing to
do. Especially when you're living with the problem day in and day out.
Overwhelmed and consumed with the need to correct the issue, but when
you're dealing with a spiteful and ignorant soul it is almost pointless to
try to fix anything.
So what to do....
Breathe and let go I think. I believe in the universe and all of its
beautiful powers that be....and I believe that the spiteful and ignorant
people get theirs just served in more ways than one. Without me having to
correct anything on my own.
Blessed be-

So beautiful and be-witching.....

New Moon

Enjoying the new moon tonight...and the eery weather were having...thunder lightning...pouring rain...romantical if you ask me. Loving the sounds of it all....and the silence in the background.  Xo

Monday thoughts......

As the sun rises.....
I feel blessed to feel the warmth upon my face....
Blessed as the wind dances through my hair........
allowing me to take a deep breath and know that everything will be ok, and I will rise above any drowning feeling that may try to overcome who I am....
To have faith in the power of my dreams....is all I need.....

Simple Beauty

Snow Patrol......Moves me.......

What if the storm ends?
And I don't see you
As you are now
Ever again
The perfect halo
Of gold hair and lightning
Sets you off against
The planets last dance
Just for a minute
The siilver-forked sky
Lifts you up like a star
That I will follow
But now it's found us
Like I have a found you
I don't wanna run
Just overwhelm me

What if the storm ends?
At least that's nothing
Except the memory
A distant echo
I won't pin down
I've walked unsettled
Rattle cage after cage
Until my blood boils
I wanna see you
As you are now
Every single day
That I am living
Painted in flames
A peeling thunder
Be the lightning in me
That strikes relentless

What if the storm ends?
And I don't see you
As you are now
Ever again
The perfect halo
Of gold hair and lightning
Sets you off against
The planets last dance
Just for a minute
The siilver-forked sky
Lifts you up like a star
That I will follow
But now it's found us
Like I have a found you
I don't wanna run
Just overwhelm me

Random thoughts today........but making sense....

We love with all of our hearts….

Even when we’re not supposed to.

It’s hard, but fulfilling

It hurts, but worth living….

Everyday is a lesson, every day is growth

To have no regrets as we go forth

That reveals it's worth …………

Above us the sky

Below us the earth

Hold onto hope and take it for all it is worth.

Love....and the Universe will Listen.....always listening

“Self-trust is the first secret of success, the belief that if you are here the authorities of the universe put you here, and for cause, or with some task strictly appointed you in your constitution, and so long as you work at that you are well and successful.”

Positive Thoughts for your day! XO Enjoy

Quote of the Day 4/2/13

"If the only place where I could see you was in my dreams, I'd sleep forever."

Quote for the day.......

Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.  ~Albert Einstein

Feedback Welcome Here.....

Which way do I go?

How many of us have had the feeling of “feeling stuck”? You may think you’re lost at the moment, when really, you’re just stuck.

Why is it so hard to become “unstuck”?

The very thought of change scares most of us.

I believe we must overcome that fear, in order to proceed onto better things that life may have to offer.

Practice what I preach, right? I do agree that it is a hard task, but worth trying.

Life has a certain grain for all of us, and when we go against it, that’s when things don’t seem to make sense, where almost every day feels like such a challenge.

Someone once told me to “Stop fearing the unknown”. I would love to stop the fear, the question is how…..

 

The Awakening.....

THE AWAKENING

A time comes in your life when you finally get it...When in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in

your tracks, and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out -ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying, or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder

once or twice, you blink back your tears, and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes....

This is your awakening.

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, time to stop waiting for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and

you are not Cinderella, and that in the real world there aren't always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter), and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you; and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are...and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions).

And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself; and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop bitching and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say,

and that not everyone will always be there for you; and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own, and to take care of yourself; and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers...and you begin to accept people as they are, and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties; and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, and how much you should weigh; what you should wear and where you should shop, and what you should

drive; how and where you should live, and what you should do for a living; who you should sleep with, who you should marry, and what you should expect of a marriage; the importance of having and raising children, or what you owe your parents.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing, and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with; and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing; and you stop

maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world...and that you can't teach a pig to sing.

You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, and the importance of setting boundaries, and learning to say 'NO'.

You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry, and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving, and

when to walk away. You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship.

You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love...

And you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms...just to make you happy. You learn that alone does not mean lonely. And you look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10, and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up." You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK...and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want...and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect; and you won't settle for less. And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his touch...and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect. You learn that your body really is your temple, and you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise. You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels the soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve...and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for, and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber

baron of all time -- FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it, and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve; and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people.

On these occasions, you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you, and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about -- a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself; and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever, settle for less than your heart's desire. And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand; you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.

Shades of oneself....

Shades of oneself…..

I recently asked my friends and family, “If I were a color, which color would I be, and why?”

I received a variety of answers, from Black to White.

It was interesting to hear the “why” answers, and it was also very flattering.

My basis for this article is, that no matter how one sees you, good, bad, Black or White, it is how you see and carry yourself that makes them see you that way, that color.

Try this little experiment. You may find that changes need to be made within yourself, or not. Some of the answers given to me were: White, because I am pure & as real as they come. Red, because I am spicy. Pink, because I am sexy. Yellow, because I am bright & unforgettable, Black, because I go with everything. There were many more answers.

My favorite responses were from my nieces, one of them chose the color Pink, and the other chose the color Blue, and they chose these colors because they are their favorite colors. Can’t get any sweeter than that.